Abstract

CARRAZANA RIVERA, Andrea  and  DE SANTIS, Mariana. Socioeconomic and demographic determinants of household expenditure on alcohol in the urban area of the Bolivian highlands. Perspectivas [online]. 2019, n.43, pp.51-78. ISSN 1994-3733.

Alcohol is the leading risk factor for early death and disability, and it affects disproportionately specific vulnerable groups. We analyze the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics ofthe urban households of the Bolivian highlands, and its relation with their expenditure on alcohol, employing a sample selection model, based on secondary data from the 2013 household survey. In an environment with cultural heterogeneity (43% indigenous) and informality in the alcohol market, our findings suggest that the indigenous condition ofthe household, the gender and smoking habit of their adult members are determinant in the household expenditure on alcohol for consumption out-of-home. Although the income level determines the purchase decision, it does not affect the expenditure size. These findings allow identifying the vulnerability conductors in specific groups of the population and justify the development of a strategic approach from the public heath perspective, for the formulation of alcohol policies in Bolivia.

Keywords : Household economics; alcohol consumption; public health; sample selection.

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